The best Christmas days out for children across the UK
With the festive season upon us, it's time to start planning some of those Christmas trips the whole family will love.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, it's a time for creating special memories with the whole family and spending quality time with them too. So what better way to do that than with a festive-filled day out for the whole family?
Whether you're looking for a day out in the holidays or a weekend family getaway, we've put together a list of the best places for some winter wonderment this season. And why not check out our best toddler days out guide for more fun ideas!
Best Christmas days out for children
1) Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
December 7th – 8th, and 14th – 15th.Not only is there a chance to meet Santa Claus, but you can meet the famous Victor the Polar Bear too! It's a fun day out for the whole family, with festive markets, a Santa's Grotto and you can visit all the animals on the wildlife park. Standard entry prices apply, with additional fees for the events.
Prices are £12.50 adults; £10.50 children; under 3's free.
2) Illuminations at Bedgebury, Kent
Novemeber 22nd - December 30thThe light display at Bedgebury is wonderful, and after a magical first year they, have returned for Christmas 2019! Follow the mile-long path through the beautiful National Pinetum after-dark and watch the tree-tops shimmer with festive, colourful lights.
Tickets for adults are £18.50; childrens aged 3-16 are £13.50.
3) Lapland, Berkshire
November 16th - December 24th Who says you have to travel far to visit Lapland? This really is one of the best Christmas days out for children. It’s a Christmas festival, with elves introducing little ones to reindeer and weaving stories of their work in Santa’s grotto. And talking of which, kids can visit Santa and take home a signed photo of themselves with him, plus make gingerbread men, build toys together and receive a little gift. There’s also ice-skating and a log cabin restaurant.
Prices start from £65, it’s pricey but it's a truly magical experience.
4) Reindeer lodge, Chester
November 30th - December 24th Why not take a trip to the stunning, Welsh countryside that's home to some of Santa's helpers. The Reindeer lodge is a perfect festive getaway for all the family, with a Santa's grotto, new Elf stage show, festive fairground- and you can even meet the reindeer herd!
Tickets from £12.50 - £15.95 for adults; £15.95 - £18.95 for children.
5) LEGOLAND at Christmas, Windsor Resort
November 30th - December 1st, 6th - 8th, 13th - 15th, 20th - 24thWith a sprinkle of LEGO magic, enjoy the feast of family activities at LEGOLAND this Christmas. From fun rides and attractions, Santa's Grotto, an elf workshop, LEGOLAND has everything for the best Christmas day out. There's even a giant LEGO Christmas tree, a gifts market, scavenger hunt and the opportunity to work with other families to build a huge festive LEGO model in the park.
Tickets are £31 for a day pass with under-twos free.
6) Christmas at Chatsworth, Bakewell
November 9th - January 5th Discover a faraway Christmas magic at this stunning building. The festive adventure takes you around the globe from Nordic wonderlands to the blossom treees in Japan. They even have a Twighlight evening with mince pies and live music, and a Christmas quiet day where there'll be no music and the lights will be dimmed.
Prices £25 adults; £15 4-16 year olds; free under 3.
7) Enchanted Christmas, Tetbury
November 29th - December 22ndWestonbirt Arboretum goes all-out in December, decorating the trees with thousands of twinkling lights, forming a mile-long illuminated walkway that looks amazing. Santa and his reindeers are on hand to meet the children, and there is even a choir and band to provide extra special Christmassy atmosphere. This is one of our favourite contenders for the best Christmas days out for children.
Tickets cost £15 for adults; £7.50 for children aged 5-18; under 5's are free. Advance booking is essential.
8) Christmas at Paultons Park, Hampshire
November 23rd - December 23rdPeppa Pig World at Paulton’s Park is having a festive makeover, making it perfect for the best Christmas days out for Children. The highlight is sure to be seeing Peppa and George wrapped up in their winter hats and scarves, although we can’t guarantee there will be snow! There will be a 4D sleigh ride, and a musical Christmas tree.
Reduce rate tickets are adults for £28; children 3-13 years £30.25; 12-35 months £17.75; under 12 months £9.50
9) Santa's Grotto and Elf Emporium, Devon
December 7th-8th, 14th-15th, 20th-23rdEnjoy a magical, fun-filled day out with the family at the Elf Emporium at The Milky Way Adventure Park. Children can help fill Santa's sack with letters to take to the North Pole, decorate gingerbread men and even help make nature-friendly reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve! The festive fun doesn't have to stop there either, there's a Little Stars play centre and even a whole adventure park to explore!
Prices from £11.95 adults and children over 3; £6.50 for 1-2 year olds; under 2's go free.
10) Family Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
November 21st 2019 - January 5th 2020With so much to do, there's fun for the whole family at the Winter Wonderland! Visit Santa's Grotto and take a trip down the ice slide near the Magical Ice Kingdom. There's plenty of food and drink options to indulge in too, and a giant wheel that you can look over the whole city! It's really a magical day out. There's a special family entrance as well that goes straight into Santa Land.
Prices start from £14.50 adults; £9.50 children 2-12 years old; under 2's go free.
11) The Polar Express Train Ride, Wensleydale
November 29th - December 23rdBecome part of the most popular Christmas film, and take a train journey on the Polar Express! Dress the family cosy in pyjamas and join in on the Christmas magic, with dancing chefs, waiters who serve hot chocolate and cookies. You even get your very own golden ticket to give the train conductor. When you arrive at the North Pole, keep your eyes peeled for Santa, who will board the train and give everyone a special silver bell from his sleigh. It really is a magical experience for the whole family!
Prices start from £25 per person.
What are your favourite days out at Christmas? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
